Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Buddy Holly Story is a good-hearted look at a rock 'n' roll pioneer that contains lots of great music and none of the melodramatic excesses of many musical biopics (no drugs, no overt sexuality, no self-destructive behavior). Only the credits at the end of the film reveal that Buddy Holly died in a plane crash on the night after the final performance in the film. There's occasional swearing, with repeated use of some expletives: "hell," "sh--t," "bastard," "damn," "ass," and more. When a bigot utters a racial slur, Buddy Holly counters with slurs of his own to embarrass the offender. Alcohol is consumed in several scenes; one character drinks too much and gets drunk. Some cigar and cigarette smoking consistent with the time period.
Sexual
Content
Some kissing. Teenagers in 1960s are necking in a parked car; the boy tries to touch the girl's breast. Buddy and his wife are shown in bed together.
Violence
A brief scuffle; someone breaks down a door.
Language
Occasional swearing and coarse language: "hell," "s--t," "Goddamn," "sonofabitch," "bastard," "for Christ's sake," "ass," "play with myself." Also some racial slurs used by the hero to shame a bigot: "dark meat," "nigra," and the "N" word.
Social
Behavior
A strong message about how working hard and pursuing goals enthusiastically results in good fortune and success. Shows how rock 'n' roll promoted racial integration for music fans before the civil rights movement began to significantly change the culture.
Consumerism
Coca Cola, Jell-O, Dr. Pepper, RCA, CBS, Vertigro.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some drinking in social settings, including toasting with champagne to celebrate. The Crickets' drummer is seen drinking alcohol in numerous scenes and getting drunk before an important appearance. Occasional smoking of both cigarettes and cigars.
